PROFICIENT Synonyms: 155 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'proficient' distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of proficient are adept , expert , skilled , and skillful . While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice. // proficient in translating foreign languages

Q: When might 'adept' be a better fit than 'proficient'?

In some situations, the words adept and proficient are roughly equivalent. However, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency. // adept at doing long division

Q: When could 'expert' be used to replace 'proficient'?

The words expert and proficient can be used in similar contexts, but expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill. // expert in the evaluation of wines

Q: In what contexts can 'skilled' take the place of 'proficient'?

The synonyms skilled and proficient are sometimes interchangeable, but skilled stresses mastery of technique. // a skilled surgeon

Q: When is it sensible to use 'skillful' instead of 'proficient'?

While the synonyms skillful and proficient are close in meaning, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance. // skillful drivers

proficient 1 of 2

adjective

prə-ˈfi-shənt

Definition of proficient next

as in skilled

having or showing exceptional knowledge, experience, or skill in a field of endeavor she is quite proficient at computer repair a proficient rendition of a difficult piano piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

proficient

2 of 2

noun

as in adept

a person with a high level of knowledge or skill in a field an urgent call by the state department for proficients in Arabic

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word proficient distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of proficient are adept, expert, skilled, and skillful. While all these words mean "having great knowledge and experience in a trade or profession," proficient implies a thorough competence derived from training and practice.

proficient in translating foreign languages

When might adept be a better fit than proficient?

In some situations, the words adept and proficient are roughly equivalent. However, adept implies special aptitude as well as proficiency.

adept at doing long division

When could expert be used to replace proficient?

The words expert and proficient can be used in similar contexts, but expert implies extraordinary proficiency and often connotes knowledge as well as technical skill.

expert in the evaluation of wines

In what contexts can skilled take the place of proficient?

The synonyms skilled and proficient are sometimes interchangeable, but skilled stresses mastery of technique.

a skilled surgeon

When is it sensible to use skillful instead of proficient?

While the synonyms skillful and proficient are close in meaning, skillful implies individual dexterity in execution or performance.

skillful drivers

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of proficient

Adjective

The attacker was reportedly proficient enough with firearms to clear a jam in his gun before resuming shooting at the executive. —

Niall Stanage, The Hill, 6 Dec. 2024 Since many trainees aren’t fluent in English, part of the training involves taking English classes to become more proficient in the language. —

Gary Stern, Forbes, 3 Jan. 2025 Making dumb, fun genre shows that are heavy on vibes and generally proficient with mechanics. —

Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 He’s supposed to use animal skills to hunt, but are there many four-legged predators out there proficient with a blow dart or a pen to the trachea? —

Mark Kennedy, Boston Herald, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proficient

Recent Examples of Synonyms for proficient

Adjective

But after adding three inexpensive yet highly skilled perimeter players — Vandersloot for facilitation, Allen and Nurse for high-volume 3-point shooting — the Sky are now more likely to retain the No. 3 and No. 10 picks to dig into the second phase of building through the draft.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
All these defense strategies will require adequate funding, with the needs likely to increase as cyber criminals become ever more skilled.

— Editorial, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2025